Petitioner: Graeme Harvey on behalf of Lowland Canals Association
Status:
Closed
Date Lodged:
19 June 2018
Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to establish an independent water ombudsmen to—
- safeguard the interests of waterway users
- review and arbitrate on disputes with Scottish Canals
- ensure that navigation along the full length of the lowland canals is maintained for the benefit of future generations.
Summary:
27 September 2018: The Committee took evidence from Graeme Harvey, Chairman and Christine Cameron, Lowland Canals Association and Ronald Edward Seton Rusack MBE, Chairman, Lowland Canals Volunteer Group. Angus MacDonald indicated that he is a member of the CrossParty Group on Recreational Boating and Marine Tourism. The Committee agreed to write to the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, Scottish Canals, the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman, Scottish Waterways Trust, the Royal Yachting Association, the Canal & River Trust, the Inland Waterways Association and Audit Scotland. Link to Official Report 27 September 2018
20 December 2018: The Committee agreed to invite Scottish Canals to give evidence at a future meeting. Link to Official Report 20 December 2018
6 June 2019: The Committee agreed to reflect on the evidence heard at a future meeting. Link to Official Report of Meeting 6 June 2019
5 December 2019: The Committee agreed to close the petition under Rule 15.7 of Standing Orders on the basis that the Scottish Government does not support the action called for in the petition and that Scottish Canals have set up Scottish Waterways for All, a new advisory group, which Lowland Canals Association is part of. It also agreed to write to the Scottish Government. Link to Official Report of Meeting 5 December 2019
Written Submissions:
We believe that an independent Water Ombudsman is necessary to safeguard the interests of waterway users and to be able to look at conflicts of interest in Scottish Canals' ativities. He should be able to ensure that navigation along the full length of the lowland canals is maintained for the benefit of future generations.